We often find ourselves worried about storm damage as hurricane season approaches in June. Hurricanes can cause tremendous damage on the rare occasion that one comes our way, but they are few and far between. The facts show that on an annual basis, we have more cumulative damage due to high winds and rains from storms from February through March. This means now is the time to do the pruning required to keep our trees healthy.
What we have learned from storms when a cold front comes from the Gulf of Alaska with high winds, is that the major damage done from actual winds was to trees like lychee, macadamia, mahogany and other broadleaved trees. However, palms like Coconut, Royal, Cabbage Palms, Mexican Fan Palms, Pritchardia and scores of others survive the storm winds. Many will tolerate flooding with little damage as well.
If the soil was so soggy that the palms tipped over, they were easy to replant and recover. Since there are hundreds of species, the question is — which palms can be used to create your tropical landscape with a minimum of storm damage and care? The Hawaii Island Palm Society is available to help folks answer that question so check out their website. The UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources master gardeners help line can also be of service. In East Hawaii, call 808-981-5199. In West Hawaii, the number is 808-322-4893.
When it comes to trees other than palms, remember they are important elements of parks, streets and home gardens. Do not forget that they supply oxygen, sequester carbon and in general are helping to minimize the negative effects of global climate change. However, they do require proper maintenance to ensure they make it through stormy weather. It is always important to inspect your trees for dead branches that seem to be ready to fall. A gust of wind can snap an arm-size branch from a tree and send it at missile speed through a picture window.
A low hanging branch over a roof can wreak havoc. Powerful winds can turn the limb into a tool of destruction. This tool can remove shingles as easily as a fish can remove scales. Removing dead and out of place limbs is a good idea even if there is no storm.
Fan-like fungus growing on the side of a tree trunk indicates rotten spots that need attention. A hole made by poor pruning, damage from earlier storms, or the gouge of an auto bumper can start rotten spots.
Remove decayed trees that are too weak to hold up under the strain of a storm. This action will save you grief later.
Actually, even a 60-mile-an-hour wind is not as dangerous as it sounds if necessary measures are taken before the wind reaches gale force.
If your home is located in an area that might be flooded, you’ll be given ample notice to evacuate hours before the storm reaches your area. Otherwise, there is no safer place than in a well built home.
Once the storm has passed it is a good idea to inspect the trees and other plants around the house. Usually all the plants will show signs of wind damage. With a little trimming, propping, resettling of root systems, fertilizing and watering, nearly all plants that were shaken loose from the ground can be salvaged. After March, it is a good idea to consider root pruning as a way to manage those larger trees. If in doubt on what to do, you may contact a local certified arborist to assess the situation and correct it.
Many of our tropical trees grow rampant with extensive root systems. That is why we prune to keep them from getting out of hand, but let us prune the right way. Late spring and summer are not the best time for heavy pruning since shade is at a premium during those hot days ahead. February is a good time as the days are getting longer but the sun’s rays are less intense than after March when spring and summer are upon us.
In conclusion, remember that trees are vital to making urban life healthier for us physically, mentally and even spiritually. Forest fires, storms and drought are destroying our forests on a global scale. On the other hand, every time we plant a tree, we help to minimize the effects of global warming.
Enjoy those beautiful trees in your garden by maintaining them correctly. On a grander scale, work with Hawaii County and State governments to plant more trees in parks, roads and highways. We depend on the tourist industry. Visitors to our islands as well as residents appreciate our beautiful landscapes. Without trees, this would just be another barren desert island. Palms, because of their beauty and tenacity make a great choice.
Norman Bezona is professor emeritus, University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.